Barker Creek - A Ghost Town

BARKER CREEK, MICHIGAN - A GHOST TOWN
Extractions from Kalkaska Newspapers 1879 - 1938
Information courtesy Leader and Kalkaskian, www.upnorthpub.com
and (Extracted from Barker Creek, Michigan: A Ghost Town
Typed and submitted by Dawn Triplett

"The ghost town of Barker Creek lies seven miles west of Kalkaska on M-72. It was to this heavily timbered area with its great potential that the county's first permanent resident, William George COPELAND, came to settle in the fall of 1855. When more people began moving into the area, William Copeland donated land for a school and Methodist church.

The settlement continued to grow with the arrival of the railroad and the building of a depot. By the late 1800s Barker Creek had its own baseball team, band, tuition supported singing school, post office, shoemaker, and livery. People from surrounding farms came to Barker
Creek to replenish supplies, collect their mail, and to attend church and social functions. The decline of the logging industry led to the decline of Barker Creek in the early 1900s. All that remains today of the once thriving community are a few scattered homes and two signs
that stand as a memorial to the early settlers of the Barker Creek area  whose lives influenced the growth of Kalkaska County, Michigan." (Extracted from Barker Creek, Michigan: A Ghost Town, by Dawn Triplett, @1991 email [email protected], snail-mail P.O. Box 822, Kalkaska MI 49646)

Extactions from Kalkaska Newspapers 1879 - 1938

May 22, 1879: "Last week, Wednesday, Henry COPELAND of Clearwater, met with an accident by which he sustained a broken jaw and other bruises of a painful nature. He was engaged in lumbering on the Manistee, and while trying to hold down the tongue of the logging wheels until it could be secured in position by chains, the logs proved too great for his weight, and the tongue was thrown back with such great force, carrying young Copeland over the wheels -- some ten feet in diameter -- and hurling him a distance of forty feet, landing him upon his side, his head and face striking with such a force as to break his jaw through the chin.

He was taken up insensible and remained for some time; he was brought to Kalkaska the same evening and placed under the care of Dr. JOHNSON who fixed him up, and when we interviewed him he seemed to be almost as good as new again. It was a great wonder he was not killed outright."

April 6, 1880: Clearwater:
For Supervisor - W. H. BOCKES, 43; - A. MORRISON - 18; BOCKES majority 27.
For clerk R. TOWARS received 10 majority over F. W. OAKES;
For treasurer J. N. RICKERS received majority of 15 over U. VARSON;
Highway Commissioner John MORRISON received 60 votes;
John LETHERBY for School Supt. Received 58 votes;
U. VARGASON for Justice - full term, received 58 votes.
Constables elected: David BRINK, Julius RICKERS, John MORAN, Victor MATTHEWS.
On the governor's salary question, 8 voted for and 30 against.

April 29, 1880: "Wm. COPELAND went to Canada last week to buy a span of horses. He wants none but the best, says he will have them if he has to search both upper and lower Canada to find them. He now owns one of the finest spans in the county."

May 12, 1880: "Work on Schoolhouse District #5 progressing, be ready for school to commence first of June."

May 20, 1880: "Johnny FESSENDEN and brothers are logging on what is known as the GILBERT place; looks as tho Johnny tends to get some new  furniture for his house; and some one to take care of it; all right,  bring her along Johnny, we like to see new neighbors come.

The timber is cut for a new school house in District #5, and Calvin STORMS commences next Monday to put it up and Calvin is the man that can do it. There is plenty of Rail Road land adjoining the school lot for settlers.

There will be about 150 acres more land put into crops in our Township this year, that being the amount cleared and made ready for the plow since the last season. Wood on farms near the lakes are cut and hauled to the lakes, where it pays for the clearing and saves the expense
of copping, logging, and burning."

September 16, 1880: "Recent rains have helped late potatoes and buckwheat. Mr. MORAN's wheat yielded 29 bushels to the acre and the Wm. COPELAND's 25 per acre, they being the only farmers had threshed. - A. YOUNG  offers to deliver apples to those who have none here for 20 cents a  bushel. - U. VARGASON has some of the Early Amber sugar cane, planted  the 29th of May, that is now ripe and stands over ten feet tall. - Frank BROOKMEYER's clearing place to build house in section 21, and will move this fall."

September 30, 1880: "K. GURR sold is place of 80 acres, 25 of which  under cultivation to Mr. HUFFMAN of Ohio. HUFFMAN also bought 80 acres of A. D. FESSENDEN, known as GILBERT's place." (Note HUFFMAN, his family and three others moved here.) - Horse distemper running through town, Frank BROOKMEYER lost one horse. - Mrs. HUFFMAN died, failing health for several years, disease that baffled doctors."

February 24, 1881: "Preaching in schoolhouse District #5, first Sunday of each month at 11 a.m. - HUFFMAN and sons preparing to build on section 27 and 28."

August 18, 1881: "We are having a cool and comfortable rest after our uncomfortable hot weather . . . Farmers have secured all of their harvest, and the busy hum of the threshing machine can be heard once more. All kinds of grain have been troubled with potato bugs, and are using paris green for their destruction. Grapes, peaches, cherries, and apples are a fair crop on most of our trees, but not many trees are loaded as they were last year, and we don't want to see them so again, for we think too much of our orchards to have them broken down."

April 6, 1882: "Clearwater: Supervisor W. H. BOCKES; Clerk J. H. F. LETHERBY; Treasurer Robert MORRISON; Highway Commissioner John MORRISON."

April 6, 1882: "Clearwater: We have some Indians here also, but they are peaceful, harmless race, and have also adopted the white mans costume; and, too, they have, adopted the vices of the whites with whom they come in contact. The full breeds are fast disappearing. - The long standing difficulty existing between the school district #5 and the board of school inspectors has at last been satisfactorily settled, which was easily done when we got the right kind of board. - Sunday school has been organized  in school District #5., Jas. EVARTS supt."

April 17, 1882: "There is hard timber enough to last ten years . . .  Fishing season is in full blast. From one to ten torch lights can be  seen at once. Many a man comes to our Round Lake anxious for a big catch and goes away happy. Sowing has commenced and many have their wheat and  peas sown."

June 5, 1882: "Mr. HUFFMAN, living on the GILBERT farm, has a brother here looking our country over. He seems very much pleased, as nearly everybody is, and will probably settle here. He has two sons  living on the Curtis farm, who seem well pleased with the country...
The school in District #5 is progressing finely, under the management  of Miss Darby of Kalkaska, Sunday School going well under the  superintending of Mr. EVERTS."

November 9, 1882: "A son of J. W. CHANEY, of Clearwater Township, met with singular and painful accident recently while out deer hunting. A powerful double-spring bear trap had been set in the woods without customary pen around it, and the first the young man knew of its presence he had one foot in it with a sharp spike driven through the flesh of his leg, above the ankle; ... with true grit picked up the lever used for setting the trap, which had fortunately been left near at hand, and  pressing down one of the springs, tied it with his handkerchief and
then pressing down the other, managed to extricate himself...no bones broken."

About 7:00 last evening, Mrs. Stephen SMITH, of Clearwater, while engaged with her household duties, suddenly and without warning fell dead. She had been busily engaged all day housecleaning and to all appearances enjoying her usual health. Under these circumstances, her death occurring so suddenly, and without the slightest warning was a terrible shock  to relatives, friends, and neighbors. Mrs. SMITH, formerly Miss Christina
RICKERS, had a large circle of friends, and acquaintances throughout the county; especially among teachers, by among whom her early death will be deeply regretted...About 25 years old, had been married about only 18  months. Funeral tomorrow at MASTEN School house in Clearwater Township, at 10:00."

April 8, 1886: Clearwater, elected:
Supervisor, Seth DUNDAS,
Clerk, Richard TOWERS, majority of 46.
Treasurer W. H. BOCKES, Majority of 58;
Highway Commissioner Wm. BROOKMEYER, majority of 44;
School inspector Robert LEE, majority of 9.
Constables; Merton PECK, Thomas HURLEY, J. VANDERVORT, John BUBB. Justice F. D. MILLER (to fill vacancy),
Justice full term, Jacob MATTICKS."

July 29, 1886: "...freak of lightning on Sunday last at farm of W. H. BOCKES Clearwater Township, bolt struck shock of wheat in his field when storm at height, entirely consumed it. ... After shower was over, found that in spite of fact straw soaked with rain, shock had almost been entirely consumed, butts of straw that were left were still burning."

June 23, 1887: "Barker Creek has bills out announcing a grand Fourth of July celebration at that place. The oration will be delivered by Rev.  Thomas HOWLAND, of Kalkaska, Mr. A. K. FAIRBANKS will be marshall of the day and W. H. BOCKES, president. The program will consist of the usual exercises. Everybody is invited, and our friends at the Creek are letting themselves out for a big time."

July 28, 1887: "Report of School district #5, Clearwater Twp., Jemima GILLETT, teacher, for month ended July 22nd. Names of pupils who have received an average grade of 80 percent or more. Fanny OAKES, Nellie OAKES, Cook OAKES, Clifford VARGASON, Myrtle VARGASON, Thomas BROOKMEYER, Maggie BROOKMEYER, William AUSPAUGH, Frank ALLS. Interest and attendance good."

June 3, 1890: "A horse belonging to Mr. CHANEY, of Barker Creek, attempted to roll the other day while hitched to a post in town, and succeeded in running an ugly splinter in its side, probably not serious."

August 31, 1893: "Barker Creek Crumbs - R. L. WORDEN and wife, of Williamsburg, were in town Sunday.

Miss Alma TRAVERSE has been on the sick list, but is better at the present writing.

Mr. WESTON, formerly of this place, visited friends here last week.

W. H. BOCKES and C. W. DWIGHT took in the excursion to Grand Rapids Sunday. Miss Margie BROCKES visited at Bates over Sunday.

Rev. ROSSELL preached at the Christian Church Sunday morning for the first time in several weeks. This was his last sermon here, his year being ended at Kalkaska.

An ice cream social for his benefit will be held at Mrs. YOUNGS, Wednesday evening of this week.

Professor ROSENFIELD of Traverse City gave an entertainment at the Hall, Saturday evening. Quite a crowd was in attendance, considering the Shortness of the notice.

W. C. HEWITT, Chas. REWALT and Sam CHANEY started for the World's Fair, Tuesday of last week. - Miss Florence CRONIN and Miss CLARK, of  Kalkaska, stopped at this place Monday, on their way home from Traverse City.

The young people spent a very pleasant evening in song at Albert HAMMOND's, Sunday, winding up with a visit to the depot to bid the "Professor" adieu.

The Patrons of Indiana, of Barker Creek, gave their third annual dance at the Barker Creek Opera House, Wednesday evening, September 6. Music by Professor STITES orchestra. Everybody invited. Floor managers, Evert BOCKES, Wm. MORAN."

September 7, 1893: "Barker Creek Crumbs - H. L. HOBBS started for Chicago, Monday.
John MASON and wife were in Kalkaska Saturday. Opal and Upsail HOBBS are attending school at Williamsburg. - Mrs.  William MASON, of Elk Rapids, visited relatives here this past week. - Miss BLISS, formerly of this place, now of Grand Rapids, spent a few days
at Mr. CHANEY's last week. - Miss Lizzie STOVER, accompanied by Mr. WILKENS, made her parents a short call, Thursday. - John JOHNSON, of Wayne County, and Mrs. Rachel JOHNSON, of Minneapolis, are visiting their parents. - Miss Margie BOCKES went to Kalkaska Sunday to commence her duties as teacher in the school there. - Mrs. COOK, and a son of Cleveland, arrived at Mr. BOCKES, Tuesday, for a short visit.

A. H. STOVER was in Traverse City Sunday. - The Charles Guiness Company gave an entertainment Tuesday evening at the Band Hall for the benefit of the Maccabees. - Mrs. Albert HAMMOND has been ill for a few days. - W. C. HEWITT, Chas. REWALT and Sam CHANEY returned from Chicago this last week, Wednesday."

September 28, 1893: "A box social was held at A. J. STOVER's Friday evening of this week, also a pumpkin pie social, Tuesday night at Wm. ATKINSON's. - Rev. BALL preached at the Methodist Church Sunday. - Will CHANEY was in Alden, a few days last week. - A certain young man of our community takes some mysterious drives in an easterly direction lately."

September 28, 1893: "The proceeds at the social at Mr. STOVER's Friday  evening, were $5.50. All report a good time. - Misses Lora and Cora CHANEY started Tuesday morning for a short visit to friends in Indiana."  

October 18, 1893: "Dame Rumor has it that Mr. Herman HOLDEN of Reed City, and Miss Lizzie WOLF, of Barker Creek, will be married on Wednesday of this week, and then take a short wedding tour and pass the honeymoon at the home of the groom. Wish you joy, Lizzie. - J. L. EVERETT is finishing the addition to his house, and the EVERETT house will soon be an imposing edifice. - Married at Alden, Michigan, Wednesday, October 18, 1893, by
Rev. H. E. ROSSELL, Mr. Herman HOLDEN of Reed City and Miss Lizzie WOLF of
Barker Creek."

November 2, 1893: "Barker Creek Crumbs: Misses Lizzie and Aura STOVER,  who are visiting their parents, went to Kalkaska, Thursday, returning Saturday. - R. B. PRUDEN, who has been suffering from a lame back, is recovering. - Miss Etta O'NEAL, accompanied by Miss STANTON, both of Traverse City, spent Sunday at A. J. STOVER's. - W. A. WORDEN's home was the scene of a pleasant surprise party Monday evening, it being the
birthday of Miss Bertie. A general good time prevailed, and at a late hour the guests departed, leaving behind several presents as momentos of the occasion. - Sam CHANEY visited Traverse City Saturday. - Wm. CHANEY  and Angus MORRISON returned from Chicago last Thursday.

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert HAMMOND is quite ill. - Miss Lora CHANEY has been on the sick list for a few days. - Mrs. J. QUICK and daughter are visiting friends at this place. - Mr. C. CRONIN, of Kalkaska, was in town Saturday to meet friends from Traverse City. - Our school began last week under the management of Miss FORBES. - The Band Hall has been undergoing some much-needed repairs, making it both pleasant and comfortable. - John LETHERBY Jr. now wears a broad smile, in consequence of the arrival of a boy at his home Wednesday, October 25. - W. C. HEWITT made a trip to Traverse City, Tuesday. - Geo. GRAHAM is repairing his shop preparatory to commencing blacksmith work."

November 6, 1893: "Sam CHANEY, Will TRAVERSE and Edward COX, started Saturday morning to hunt deer in the vicinity of Lake Ann. - Mrs. D. TAYLOR has been very ill, but at the present time is much better."

November 16, 1893: "Bills are out for a grand dance at Barker Creek Band Hall, Wednesday evening, November 22, 1893, to which everybody is invited. Supper at EVERETT house; music by Professor STITES and orchestra."

November 23, 1893: "The Barker Creek Band boys have recently finished off their hall and furnished it with better facilities for lighting and made it more comfortable generally and their dance there tonight will doubtless be an enjoyable affair."

December 14, 1893: "Miss Aura STOVER visited her parents last Thursday.  Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson TREAT, Thursday, December 7, a boy. - It is said there will be a union Christmas tree at the Disciple church, Saturday evening, December 23. - A Young People's Society has been organized, the meetings to be held alternately at the M.E. Church and Disciple churches,  each Sunday evening."

February 13, 1896: "Irv ELLIOT is working at the EVERETT house. - A party of young people who were coasting at Mr. DOWLING's Saturday evening, came to grief. The convoy they were riding in became unmanageable and threw them overboard and several were quite badly hurt."

February 27, 1896: "Myron STOVER and others are entertaining the mumps. - Miss Cora CHANEY spent a few days with friends at Traverse City last week."

March 6, 1896: "A party at J. L. EVERETT's Saturday evening, was largely attended, and a good time enjoyed."

March 28, 1896: "Barker Creek. May 28. Bro. C. W. GARDNER, who preached several years ago, spent a few hours at John CHANEY's last Monday."

April 2, 1896: "The revival meetings at the M. E. Church closed Friday evening. - School commenced Monday with Alice HYATT as teacher. - Sam  CHANEY will farm the SMITH place, near Round Lake, this coming season. He is preparing to move this week. - Thomas PIERSON, our general station agent, has resigned his position, and starts today for Stanton, Michigan, where he will locate on his farm at that place. His successor, Mr. ROGERS,
arrived last Friday."

April 6, 1896: "The Disciple Church reopened, Sunday school at 11:00 a.m."

April 23, 1896: "Bicycles are running lively these days. - Miss Jessie STOVER is visiting her sister, Mrs. Lizzie WILKINS, at Traverse City. A. J. STOVER is running his sawmill these days. - Nathan STORMS and Z. C. COOK are building a row boat. - BOCKES and GROVER are shipping a large  number of poles from their winter's purchase. - John ISLER has built a  dam in his creek and purchased a 1,000 trout minnows and expects to raise
fish on a small scale." (NOTE in following week's paper corrected amount  of fish from 1,000 to 1,500 trout minnows.)

May 14, 1896: "People are beginning to get out tan bark. The first car of bark passed here from the north Thursday. - W. H. BOCKES has been in  Bellaire and other points north inspecting poles for the past week or two."

May 28, 1896: "The first excursion train on the C. & W. M., passed over the road Sunday, to Petoskey. Four tickets were sold at this station. - E. STITES has purchased a new horse. - Edward COX is loading a car of wheat at this station. - People are beginning to load tan bark here. - Charles W. GARDNER, formerly of the Christian Church at Kalkaska, now of Newaygo  County, made a brief visit with friends at this place Monday. - John MORRISON has the frame of a new house up and is pushing work on same."

June 11, 1896: "(Barker Creek) A very sad and painful accident happened to Bert Bockes, last Sunday evening, while trying to board the excursion train at Traverse City. It appears that Bert was a little late in reaching  the train and having to put his bicycle on board while the train was moving, it had gained such a speed when he attempted to get on a rear coach, he
could not maintain his grip on the railing, and was thrown against a timber, breaking his leg near the body. His father brought him home Monday and he is suffering much pain at this writing. We hope that his recovery may be as speedy as possible. - The Barker Creek boys went to Kalkaska Friday and played a game of ball, the result being 20 to 10 in favor of Kalkaska."

July 2, 1896: "(Van Buren and Torch River Bridge) On Thursday, June 25, while out for a hunt, Mr. J. H. F. LETHERBY of Barker Creek, captured a  valuable silver gray Fox, which he is very proud of and will carefully keep and care for. In other words, on the date mentioned he was married to a  Miss FOX. The writer, and in fact the entire community, extends Congratulations."

July 9, 1896: "Bert BOCKES is improving rapidly and as can be expected, and we hope he will soon be out again."

July 30, 1896: (Barker Creek News) Bert BOCKES had the splints removed  from his limb one day last week and was able to sit up for a day or two when in some manner the broken parts slipped by and he is again laid up. - The ball game between Kalkaska and Barker Creek nines was well attended and Kalkaska won game in a handsome manner."

August 13, 1896: "A number of his friends gave Tommy EVERETT a genuine surprise party at his home Saturday evening, the occasion being the anniversary of his birth."

October 1, 1896: "We are glad to note Bert BOCKES to be out again with the aid of crutches. - Miss Kate DOCKERY of Traverse City has been spending a few days with her parents."

October 22, 1896: "Owing to the low price of fruit farmers have neglected to pick a great deal of their fruit, a large quantity of which still hangs on their trees. Apples, potatoes and farm produce generally seem to have been demonetized about 1892. - Mr. W. H. BOCKES and Mr. and Mrs. EVERETT went to Traverse City, and numerous others, Thursday to catch a
glimpse of the democratic candidate for presidential honors."

January 7, 1897: "The shingle mill will start sometime next week. - Miss Emma Everett is spending a few days with friends in Rapid River."

January 21, 1897: "Dan Butts of Van Buren is running the engine in the Barker Creek shingle mill."

January 28, 1897: "We have had several days of very cold and stormy weather. The mercury has been as low as 4 degrees below zero. The snow is about 18 inches in depth. - Ed COPELAND went to Norwood, Sunday, to work in the woods. The house occupied by William CHANEY caught fire from a defective stove pipe, Saturday evening, but fortunately the fire was discovered before any serious damage was done. - There seems to be a
slight mystery concerning the sex of the late arrival at Sam CHANEY's. It was first given out to be a girl but the proud father now asserts that it's a boy. - Quite a number of people had the pleasure of  listening to Mr. HOYT's phonograph at Mr. EVERETTS Saturday evening. -
Miss Rose Young is working at Sam CHANEY's. The singing school, with F. A. DOWLING as teacher, is said to be progressing pleasantly and profitably. Over 30 scholars are in attendance. - Mrs. J. L. EVERETT has been feeling rather poorly for the past week or two."

March 11, 1897: Van Buren "Frank BROOKMEYER was in Elk Rapids last and took the contract of taking timber from several forties belonging to the Elk Rapids Iron Company, just south of Van Buren. - Frank BROOKMEYER has traded off his farm and expects soon to reside in our quiet city."

March 25, 1897: "The many friends of Mrs. A. J. STOVER will be pained to hear of her death which occurred Saturday evening March 20. The funeral was held on Monday. The family have the sympathy of all in their sorrow. Mrs. Lizzie WILKINS and Miss Aura STOVER of Traverse City were called here Saturday to be with their mother during her last moments."

April 22, 1897: "Mr. and Mrs. W. JOHNSON are now residents of this town. They moved here from Central Lake. - Mrs. STOVER, the aged mother of Mrs. CLOUGH, is very low and grave fears are entertained for her recovery. - Easter was observed at M. E. Church with appropriate exercises. - J. G. Young, the crack checker player of this vicinity, seems to get beaten at his own game quite regularly of late. - Sam CHANEY will farm the SMITH
place again this summer."

May 27, 1897: "Peter DESMOND is having some plastering done on the addition which he had built last year. - Five car loads of tan bark have already passed through here, en route to Holland. - Charles REWALT is about to further improve his residence by building an addition. - Alf BUBBS and family are living in the house recently occupied by R. Wright."

August 19, 1897: "A pleasant party was given in honor of Thomas COPELAND at his home Monday evening. We understand he will leave for Colorado on Wednesday of this week."

September 2, 1897: "S. CHANEY, of Portland, Indiana, has been visiting the family of his uncle, J. W. CHANEY, during the past week."

November 11, 1897: "Rev. DREW, the district evangelist, is holding revival meetings at the Disciple church this week. - Mrs. J. W. CHANEY and Miss Lora CHANEY returned Saturday from a months visit to Ohio. Lora will remain home a few days then return to her duties at N. M. Asylum."

December 2, 1897: "E. STITES of Wilson was in Elk Rapids Saturday. He informs us that the Elk Rapids Iron Company will pay $4 for maple logs, delivered on skids at this siding. This means .40 or .50 advance on last  years prices, as it costs that amount per thousand for hauling. - A. BUBBS and family moved to Kalkaska Thanksgiving. - W. H. BOCKS and W. C. HEWITT have made an improvement to their shingle mill in the way of an apparatus in cut up long logs into shingle lengths, which will do away with making timber into bolts, which causes a waste of timber and labor. - Thomas MORAN is cutting and skidding maples as is also E. STITES. - Rev. DREW, the District evangelist, closed a 3 weeks series of meetings here Sunday evening. During his stay at this place he has made many friends and  seems fully qualified to perform his duties."

February 24, 1898: "People in this vicinity were shocked to hear of the death of William PRAY of Mabel, which occurred Saturday night, after an illness of one week."

March 17, 1898: "The shingle mill is doing a lively business. . . timber enough for six to eight weeks run on hand."

March 24, 1898: "The shingle mill shut down Monday, one of the men getting his hand cut quite severely. - The Alter Society of St. Mary's Church gave a party and supper at the Band Hall last Thursday evening . . .proceeds amounted to about $40.00. - Peter DESMOND has the work nearly completed on a set of large scales which he is putting in just east of the
store. This will be duly appreciated by those having quantities of potatoes, hay, etc. to weigh."

October 7, 1898: "Van Buren: A very serious accident happened to Dan LYNN of this place on Saturday evening last. A Mr. RICHERD, of Barker Creek, hired his driving team, and before his departure visited what is called the blind pig and when starting away was feeling somewhat gay., and before reaching Barker Creek the team got away, ran by EVERETTs hotel then turned north onto the railroad track and started north for Van Buren on said track. It so happened it was about time for No. 145 from Kalkaska to Traverse City, and while the team was going through Round Lake swamp it met said train on a heavy downgrade and going at a high rate of speed which struck the team in front, killing both horses and completely demolishing  the harness and buggy. Mr. LYNN is at a loss of nearly $300. There should be a subscription paper circulated in Mr. LYNN's behalf."

September 8, 1898: "Barker Creek - A child of Mr. CHANEY was born with six perfect and well developed toes on each foot and six fingers on each hand. The fingers were well developed but did not keep in line with its fellows, so it was thought best to remove them, which was done yesterday in Elk Rapids by Dr. I. A. THOMPSON. The child is six weeks old, and there is every prospect now of it living to a ripe old age through life with 12
toes."

December 21, 1905: "Mr. W. H. Bockes will spend Christmas with his daughter, Mrs. Brookins, in Grand Rapids, and next week go to Detroit, where a niece will meet him and the two will start from there to Pensacola, Florida, where Mrs. Bockes already is, she having started last week. They will all winter at last named place."

January 4, 1906: "In throwing a stone at a stray cat last spring F. A.  DOWLING, of Barker Creek, strained the muscle of his arm as he supposed, and for months the injury caused him great pain and inconvenience; he treated the matter lightly, but finally consulted a physician who pronounced the trouble a dislocation of the shoulder. Reducing same after so long a
time proved a very painful job for Mr. D., and we understand that even now the arm continues weak and painful, we are sorry to say."

February 4, 1909: Ex-county treasurer, W. C. HEWITT, citizen of Kalkaska  four years, resident of county since 1880, buys grocery stock (business) in Kalkaska. "Mr. HEWITT is at home in the grocery business, having conducted a store at Barker Creek for several years and still retains half interest in the same."

August 9, 1909: "Mr. and Mrs. EVERETT are entertaining company from Indiana. - Martin MORAN made a business trip up in Bob MORRISONs' vicinity last week. - J. H. F. LETHERBY and little daughter Mae were in Kalkaska on business last Thursday. - J. H. F. LETHERBY had a valuable cow killed on the railroad last week. - The Barker Creek ball team which has boasted of its clean record, was defeated by Acme. Dig in Barker Creek,
play them again and win. - Mr. and Mrs. Upsal COX are enjoying a visit with Mr. and Mrs. MORSE, who arrived from Canada last Thursday. Mrs. MORSE and Mrs. C0X are sisters."

August 19, 1909: "Shooting turkeys is the principal sport around Barker Creek just now. - Call at the New Store when in Barker Creek. Eugene HILL is the proprietor. - Barker Creek boys played ball with the Island Lake boys Sunday, Barker Creek winning by score of 8 to 3. - Will COPELAND has a new cement walk in front of his residence."

September 9, 1909: "Mrs. Emma FUNK of Tiffin, Ohio, is here visiting relatives. She visited with her brother, J. W. LETHERBY Monday. - Laura EVERETT is home from school this week."

September 16, 1909: "Mrs. George SHELSON and daughter Mabelle entertained the following people for dinner Sunday: Mr. and Mrs. Will COOK, and sons, Lee and Clifton of Kalkaska, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. L. LETHERBY, Will, Jesse, and Mae LETHERBY, Mr. and Mrs. M. N. K. BATTEN and Otto DEWITT. Everybody had a good time."

December 30, 1909: "Noah HUFFMAN and family ate Christmas dinner with S. T. MASTIN."

February 9, 1911: "South Boardman - Miss Myna ELLIS, of Barker Creek,  is spending a week's vacation with her parents."

April 6, 1911: "On Saturday last at her home in Excelsior, aged 63 years, 4 months and 26 days, Mrs. John JOHNSON passed to the great beyond. She had been sick but a few days, although she had been ailing for a number of years. - Sarah Adeline TRAVERSE was born at Middleville, Barry Co., Mich., Nov. 5th, 1847. - She was married Feb. 23rd, 1873, to John JOHNSON. Six children blessed their union, five of whom are living. They moved to
Kalkaska County on their place in Excelsior Township, thirty years ago. Things were new then and hardships were many. What is now a fine farm was then a forest of waving trees. The first year was a hard one. They got but a little patch of ground cleared and in to potatoes.

But year by year they prospered till it blossomed into cleared fields of waving grain. - Mrs. JOHNSON was a patient sufferer through the many years of physical pain but the end came without a struggle. Mr. JOHNSON stood alone by her bedside as she breathed her last. She was a faithful wife and loving mother. She leaves a husband, three sons and two daughters and other relatives and friends to mourn her loss. The children are as follows: Bert JOHNSON, of Lansing; Stephen JOHNSON, of Pellston; and Mrs. Jessie ROSENBERG, Mrs. Ed WAGENSCHEUTZ and Jethro JOHNSON, of Excelsior. - The funeral was
conducted at the home at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, by L. M. CLAPP. The remains were interred in Excelsior cemetery. - Messers. Bert and Stephen JOHNSON, also the latter's wife, a brother of the deceased, Byron Traverse of Barry County, and two sisters of Mr. JOHNSON, came to pay their last respects to the departed and give sympathy to the bereaved family."

August 3, 1911: "Died at her home in Barker Creek, on Sunday, July 30, Rebecca, wife of James L. EVERETT, aged 52 years, 6 months and 7 days. Death was caused by Bright's disease. Deceased leaves a husband, one son and three daughters of her immediate family, also two sisters, Mrs. Henry WRIGHT, of Kalkaska; and Mrs. Edward CHANEY, of Clearwater township; and one brother, Noah HUFFMAN, of Clearwater, to mourn her loss. The funeral was held from the home Aug. 1st, Dr. BOND-DECKER officiating. The burial
in Evergreen cemetery, Kalkaska, was conducted by Clark Bros."

October 19, 1911: "John LETHERBY, of Barker Creek, died of heart trouble at Alden, Wednesday. He, his wife and daughter were returning home from a visit at the resort home of Wm. BOCKES, at Torch Lake, and were waiting at the depot for a train, when the attack came upon him which resulted in his death. Mr. LETHERBY was upwards of fifty years old and was comparatively well and able, although he had been doctoring for heart trouble for some time. The deceased is survived by a wife and four children."

October 26,1911: "Obituary: John W. LETHERBY, who died suddenly, of heart trouble, at Alden, on Wednesday, October 18, was buried in Evergreen cemetery, at this place on Saturday last. The funeral was held at the M. E. Church, Rev. S. A. P. REAKES, of Williamsburg, officiating. L. M. CLAPP conducted the funeral. Deceased was aged 54 years, 7 months, and 25 days. He was born in Canada, coming to this country, where he has since
resided, when eleven years old, where he has been engaged in lumbering and agricultural pursuits. In 1883 he married Kittie Belle COOK. Four children - Bessie, Willie, Jessie and Mae were born to them, all of whom survive the father. Those from away who attended the funeral were Mrs. E. N. PERRIN, of Sturgis; and Mrs. J. WOOD of Manton, sisters of the deceased;  Mr. and Mrs. Nelson TREAT (the latter also a sister) of Blue Lake; Mr.
LETHERBY, (a brother), of Manton; Mrs. H. H. MORROW, of Wolverine, and Mrs. Bert COOK, sisters of Mrs. LETHERBY; also Mrs. M. COOK, of Gaylord; and Mr. and Mrs. F. B. OSBORN, of Bay City."

February 17, 1916: "John BURNS, aged 52 years and 26 days, died at his home near Barker Creek, February 11, 1916. Mr. BURNS came to Kalkaska County about three years ago from Cleveland, Ohio, settling on the farm where he died. The funeral services were held at the Catholic church at Barker Creek, Rev. Fr. CAMERON conducting same, and burial made in the cemetery there, Monday. Deceased was born in Dublin, Ireland, January 15, 1864, and was a brother-in-law of James GARVEY, who lives near Barker Creek. Mr. BURNS is survived by a widow and two step-sons, John MALONE, of Chicago, and Dan MALONE, of Cleveland, Ohio, both of whom were present for the funeral. Mr. BURNS had made many friends during his short residence here, who will greatly miss him."

May 4, 1916: "Mrs. Nelson TREAT, of Cadillac, visited friends here the  latter part of the week. She was enroute for Barker Creek, called there by the illness of her father."

June 1, 1916: "Wm. H. TINDALL, of Barker Creek, has rented his farm to William MARTIN, and resumed road work for the Tanner's Supply Co., of  Grand Rapids. Mr. TINDALL was for a number of years employed by this company previous to his farming experience in this county. In the several weeks Mr. TINDALL was been doing road work he has gained in weight some twenty pounds, and says he never felt better than at the present time. His work takes in territory in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Canada, and he says it is like going on a visit to meet the many acquaintances made on his former trips through this territory."

July 13, 1916: "Patrick L. DOCKERY, of Barker Creek, and Miss Delia KING, of Chicago, were united in marriage on Tuesday, June 27th. Both young people are quite well known here, and many friends will unite with us in wishing them a pleasant journey together through life. Mr. and Mrs. DOCKERY have arrived at Barker Creek, where a neatly furnished home
awaited them. A largely attended reception was held Saturday evening, which Mr. and Mrs. John DOCKERY of this place attended, going over by auto. - Antrim Co. News, Mr. DOCKERY is well and favorably known in this, his home county, where he has made a large number of friends to extend congratulations, a sentiment in which we heartily join."

September 28, 1916: "CLEARWATER PIONEER PICNIC: The association met for
their annual picnic at the Clearwater grange hall, on Thursday, September 14th. It was one of the largest gatherings yet held, and the program was also one of the best. - Some of the old pioneers who have not been with us for many years, were present, those we recall being Archie MORRISON, Mrs. COX, Mrs. CURTIS, Mrs. Chauncey JENCKS and Mrs. A. W. CLARK.

After the feast, which was made enjoyable by the RICKER brothers and other old pioneers singing several of the old songs of a by-gone day, the program proper was taken up and every number responded to. One of the numbers we wish especially to mention was "Forty Years Ago." By Mr. George WAY. We hope to have this piece printed in the near future, as we know that it will be of general interest throughout the county.

Mr. Simeon WAY also gave us two fine poems. Julius RICKERS told us about the first saw mill, and "Jack, the Bear Killer," told us about killing five bears in eight days.

We missed the faces of Miss GETTY and Mr. RAYLE from among our Kalkaska friends, but Mr. DePUY was with us again and Rev. Chas. GARDNER was also present and gave us a most eloquent address on the old pioneers, ending with a plea for state-wide prohibition. If the way in which this plea was received is any indication of what will happen at the polls, next November, the state will be so dry that it will have to ship in water.

Mr. GARDNER walked over the road from Kalkaska to Barker Creek, thirty Years ago, to found the Barker Creek church, and he also walked over the same road the day of the picnic. - Officers elected for the ensuring year are - President, John GILLETT; Secretary, Jemima GILLETT. - Here is a suggestion: why should not the president call a mid-winter meeting of the association at his residence, or at some other residence, to formulate plans for a suitable memorial to the old pioneers, such as a bronze tablet with their names on same, a pioneer library, or some such thing?"

October 12, 1916: "COMMEMORATE GOLDEN WEDDING - A large number of friends
and relatives assembled at the beautiful summer home of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. BOCKES, at Person's Harbor, October 11th, to commemorate their golden wedding planned by the children as a surprise in their honor.

At Medina, Ohio, fifty years ago, W. H. BOCKES and Margaret COOK, so well and widely known, were united in marriage.

Mr. and Mrs. BOCKES came to Barker Creek on their wedding journey, and  have since resided there continuously, with the exception of the last few winters, which they have spent in Florida. They, like all pioneers, experienced many hardships and privations when the country was a vast wilderness, but today they enjoy the comforts they so richly deserve, and
are loved and esteemed by a large circle of friends.

Among the guest at their golden wedding was one who was a guest at the original wedding fifty years ago. - Miss Thansow COOK, a sister of the bride. The home was beautifully decorated with autumn leaves and under the magnificent banners of autumn the bride and groom renewed their nuptial vows, Rev. HUSTON, of Kalkaska, officiating in the impressive
ceremony. Dainty refreshments were served after the ceremony.

The three surviving children of the couple were present, namely: Mrs. A. T. BROOKINS, of Grand Rapids; Z. C. BOCKES and wife, of Petoskey; and Bert BOCKES, of Denver, Col. Other out of town guests came from Medina, Ohio, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Williamsburg, Elk Rapids, Barker Creek, Kalkaska, Rapid City and various points in the county.

Numerous letters and telegrams of congratulations were received, and altogether the day was one long to be remembered by everyone present. - (One of the Guests).

November 23, 1916: "Mr. and Mrs. L. SIMMONS, of Barker Creek, announce the marriage of their daughter Olla, to Howard WOODCOCK of Kalkaska, Mich., which took place November 8, at Muskegon. The happy couple will make their home in Flint."

August 30, 1923: "Will COPELAND attended Robinson's circus at Traverse City last Saturday."

September 6, 1923: "Miss Doris COPELAND returned to Traverse City Monday to take up her Normal duties after a summer of recreation. - Jess LETHERBY has been here fitting out his boat for the duck shooting season. - John BRENNEMEN is on the sick list."

January 11, 1924: "Trains were blocked for a couple of days on account of the storm."

September 24, 1925: (33 Years Ago) "Mr. and Mrs. Will CURTIS are the proud parents of a bran new boy. - A wedding occurred Sunday morning at J. L. EVERETT's. The contracting parties were Marcellus WORTHINGTON and Miss Nellie OAKES. The ceremony was performed by Rev. ROSSELL of Kalkaska."

April 1, 1926: "(33 Years Ago) Mrs. O. S. CURTIS left today for Grand  Rapids to make her home."

October 14, 1926: "Mrs. P. L. DOCKERY, hearing much confusion among her chickens Sunday went out to investigate and found an owl and an old mother hen having a battle by the side of the house. Mrs. DOCKERY captured the owl, and believes she has the rascal who has been making away with so many chickens and ducks."

March 18, 1928: "(33 Years Ago) "Wm. BROOKMEYER of Clearwater is short a horse, the animal having recently died and the loss to Mr. BROOKMEYER is at $100. - Ladies Aid met at home of Mrs. Ed C0PELAND on Wednesday, March 10, 1928, with a potluck dinner served to 25."

March 11, 1937: W. D. HEWITT dies - "Survived by his wife, a daughter Miss Edith HEWITT of St. Louis, MO and a son Don. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon and all businesses on Main street will be closed for one hour, from 2:30 to 3:30 during services."

April 25, 1935: "Barker Creek - Frank SAMELS purchased a fine horse in Traverse City last week.

Carl CONANT, Doyle STOOPS, Dorothy DOCKER, and Ellen RICHARDSON attended the Community theater in Elk Rapids Sunday evening.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph MORAN and daughter Agnes attended Easter services at  the Immaculate Conception Church at Traverse City, Sunday morning.

Mrs. Will Tyler, Miss Mildred HEVEL, Mrs. Morris MASON, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph DUFFEK, Miss Dorothy DOCKERY, and Mrs. Thomas DOCKERY gave St. Mary Church its spring cleaning last week.

The choir of the St. Mary's Church motored to Elk Rapids Friday to take part in the Good Friday Services held at Sacred Heart Church from 12 until 3.

A valuable horse owned by Upsal COX dropped dead Friday while hitched to a manure spreader. Mr. COX purchased another fine horse Saturday from Geo. ANGEL of Alden to replace the one that died.

Mrs. Carl HANSON and three little boys of Traverse City spent from Thursday 'til Monday visiting the formers mother, Mrs. Mattie COPELAND and brother, R. L. COPELAND and family. Mr. HANSON also came out for the weekend."

May 9, 1935: "Clearwater - Dennis SAMELS of Barker Creek began the work on Ward RUTTAN's barn this week. - Mr. and Mrs. Samuel CHANEY of Barker Creek visited at Ward RUTTAN's Sunday."

May 9, 1935: "Barker Creek - Mr. and Mrs. Dick COPELAND and Mr. and Mrs. Louis C0X were entertained at the Burton PICKERD home Friday evening.

A new roof and new windows and other needed repairs have been made to the house formerly known as the Jack LETHERBY house.

Miss Retha TIMMONS of near Fife Lake, closed her second successful year of school at the Barker Creek school April 30. A forenoon of games and stunts followed by a picnic dinner were enjoyed by pupils and some of the parents. Parents regret that she is not returning next term, they join in wishing her success in the teaching of her home school next year."

May 16, 1935: "Barker Creek - The young men of this community have organized a baseball team with Morris MASON as manager. They have been building a diamond in Dick Copeland's field next to Harmony Home.

Mrs. Veda NORRIS has returned to her home near Long Lake after keeping house the past year for Upsal COX and family.

Mattie COPELAND was re-elected director for full term at the regular meeting Monday night. Parents and pupils are pleased with the appearance of the school house, which has been painted inside and out. "

July 11, 1935: "The community had had the pleasure of welcoming two new brides recently. Mrs. Laurence COPELAND, nee Margie BOLTON of Detroit,  and Mrs. Walter COX, nee Irene SKIVER of Traverse City. Both young couples were given a shower at their respective homes, about 125 friends and relatives gathered each time. Assorted sandwiches and cakes, pickles and coffee, were served at the COPELANDs. Sandwiches and fruit salad, ice cream
and cake and lemonade was served at the COX'S after which dancing was enjoyed in their big garage."

Oct. 17, 1935: "Barker Creek - Mr. Walter COX, Mrs. Louise COX, Mrs. Dick COPELAND, Mrs. Phil RAY, and Miss Olive WORDEN attended the first meeting of the Extension Club at Williamsburg last Thursday.

Mrs. William TYLER, Mrs. Joseph DUFFEE, Mrs. Louis COX, Mrs. John BRAGG, and Miss Kathryn DEVINE met at the Thomas DOCKERY home Wednesday evening to tie a quilt for the Altar Society. The ladies were accompanied by their husbands.

Barker Creek school is closed for the week for potato digging. The Williamsburg school is also closed."

October 24, 1935: "The Ladies Aid gave a fried chicken supper at Harmony home Friday night. - The Altar Society gave a Bingo party with lunch, country store, and candy booth at RUGG Grange Hall Thursday evening. A tidy sum was added to their treasury.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas DOCKERY and daughter, Lorene, attended a party and shower at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert CONANT of Yuba Saturday night, in honor of their sons Carl and Ralph and the Misses Dorothy and Lucille PELKY. "

January 30, 1936: "The death of Albert S. HAMMOND of Muskegon Heights occurred last Thursday morning. Mr. HAMMOND was a pioneer resident of this region, having resided in Mabel from boyhood. He was married to Miss Hattie TRAVERSE of Mabel 46 years ago and to this union were born two children, Harley HAMMOND of Chicago and Mrs. Arlin ROTHROCK of Detroit. Surviving besides the widow and two children are two brothers, E. J. HAMMOND of Traverse City and G. D. HAMMOND of Barker Creek, and nieces and nephews in Traverse City, Williamsburg, and Charlevoix. He was the brother-in-law of Mrs. J. B. HAMMOND and Mrs. W. C. HEWITT of Traverse City. The body was placed at vault at Evergreen cemetery last Saturday."

April 2, 1938: "A box social was given at the Barker Creek school house Saturday night. A program of readings and music followed by contests and games passed away a very pleasant evening. The proceeds of $7.50 will be used to buy song books and other necessary things for the school.

A Bingo party, sponsored by the Altar Society, was given at the Louis Cox home Thursday evening. All spent an enjoyable evening and $10.50 was added to the treasury."

created by Brenda Wolfgram-Moore 12 Apr 1999